Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 197: Final Preparations, Before the Curtain Rises

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"Are you ready?"

At World Serpent Headquarters, within the vast temple, only two figures remained, both cloaked and hooded. However, one showed immense reverence towards the other.

The speaker was the superior, her voice gentle with a hint of languor. Indeed, this was an old acquaintance—Bai Zhi herself.

As for the second figure, there's no need to elaborate—it could only be Gray Serpent.

"Certainly, my Lord," Gray Serpent replied respectfully.

"Hmm, there's no need for such formality with me. In fact, I—I mean we—don't really prefer it; it creates too much distance."

Bai Zhi turned, gazing at the solitary throne before slowly approaching it. She gently caressed its surface, memories from her previous life resurfacing in her mind.

How should she put it? Actually...she preferred her past life more. Although brief and ordinary, there was no obligation to preach grand ideals or concern oneself with saving the world.

Armchair strategizing and virtual gaming seemed infinitely more appealing than this enhanced version of Earth Online.

Naturally, this perspective only represented the current entity truly controlling this avatar—the True Self Ana. Compared to her other selves, she was more pragmatic, somewhat ordinary, yet sufficiently cautious.

As for the True Self, well... he shared some similarities with Ellie, and the Superior Self... let's just say it doesn't matter anymore; it wasn't about any puns either. The concept of the Superior Self itself simply wasn't particularly intriguing.

"Come forth, open your heart, and I shall connect your Gray Serpent Network using my Authority," Bai Zhi said as she lifted her hand. In response, the Gray Serpent obediently knelt down, bowing his head—a scene reminiscent of a papal coronation.

The Gray Serpent's situation was unique.

His network utilized digital connections, but at its core, the Gray Serpent is an artificial lifeform, the first of its kind. He originated from one of Mobius's accidental experiments, born out of serendipity, extending towards infinity.

However, to Mobius, he was merely an interesting experimental subject.

Now, Ana will grant him true infinity by employing a different form of Corruption, incorporating him as her agent.

As Bai Zhi raised her hand, Gray Serpent could sense changes occurring within his network.

Within this network, every instance of Gray Serpent could perceive each other.

In truth, Gray Serpent's network was not stable; it somewhat resembled the doctor's slices but even more loosely connected. In terms of balancing madness and rationality, Gray Serpent surpassed that doctor significantly.

This is because Gray Serpent is not human, possessing instead a span of thirty thousand years.

Amidst the interconnected network of all Gray Serpents, extraordinary phenomena began to unfold.

Deep within the starlit sea, from a vast and enigmatic cocoon, eyes silently opened, casting their gaze forth. At that moment, Gray Serpent's network started trembling.

The principles of Rationality surged in, reconstructing the original network. As the dust settled, Gray Serpent underwent transcendence. For an instant, he even glimpsed the Infinite, which the doctor had relentlessly pursued.

"Thou... shalt be My Messenger!"

Above the starlit sea, the divine decree descended. In that instant, Gray Serpent completely shed his former constraints. This was neither the Herrscher bestowal from the Cocoon of Finality nor the designation by the Imaginary Tree, but rather the investiture by a transcendent God, despite still being in the process of gestation.

"This is what I have truly sought!"

Gray Serpent knelt on the ground, trembling all over, finally realizing his long-held desire.

Within the starlit sea, She slowly closed Her eyes, feeling somewhat weary after bestowing this Emanator. After all, She had not yet fully manifested in the world.

However, to Her, it was worth it.

Gray Serpent served as an exceptionally useful pawn; his uniqueness made him even more valuable than the Void Archives and Welt. Given enough time, perhaps he could indeed overturn...not entirely impossible.

After all, Gray Serpent single-handedly established the World Serpent organization, with minimal assistance from the Harbinger during its inception.

Of course, that goal might seem distant, but for Gray Serpent, only such ambitious aims held true meaning.

Additionally, Ana felt curious about another scenario:

If the faction built upon preservation, the organization maintaining cosmic order, were to crumble, how would the seemingly passive Amber King react?

Naturally, should that day arrive, It might also signify having earned the capability to confront or potentially overthrow Him.

For now, these thoughts seemed far-fetched; let's focus on addressing the immediate issues at hand!

"Enough with these pointless musings. Let's focus on dealing with the Herrscher of Corruption first!"

Observing the Gray Serpent bowing reverently before her, Bai Zhi found herself at a loss for words. How to explain it? Despite being one entity, sharing the same identity and perspective moments ago, their thought processes and perspectives diverged significantly. Now that she had withdrawn from his viewpoint, it felt somewhat strange.

"Yes, Lord," Gray Serpent promptly rose, responding respectfully.

"Additionally, leak this information to Schicksal and Anti-Entropy."

"Yes, but, Lord..." Gray Serpent nodded hesitantly, as if there was more he wanted to say.

"With your power..."

"For the people of this world, it is a story, an inspiring tale," Bai Zhi replied mildly, her eyes shimmering slightly. "If you were told that all your efforts were meaningless, everything just a facade, how would you feel?"

"Moreover, overcoming Finality's trial does not guarantee lasting peace for this world. Once the imaginary energy beyond the solar system depletes, new crises will inevitably arise."

Since Gray Serpent is now her Emanator, Ana didn't mind elaborating further.

She wasn't joking either.

While following the original game's storyline, the imaginary energy beyond the solar system could have sustained for much longer, the emergence of Divine Self Ana would inevitably impact the external sources of this energy.

Of course, it isn't truly Ana's issue but rather stems from The Cocoon of Finality itself. The Cocoon's existence aims to birth such an entity with potential to become a Aeon.

Moreover, the world operates with randomness. For instance, if unexpected arrivals like the Astral Express or the Nameless Traveler reached the solar system and completed its exploration, the solar system would inevitably connect with the outside universe.

Honestly, from Ana's current perspective, being explored by outsiders isn't necessarily beneficial; preservation might be the safest and best approach.

However, the trend towards exploration cannot be halted, akin to the Age of Discovery in her previous life—it's only a matter of time.

But—the scale of the Star Rail Universe, or more accurately, the Galactic Universe, is simply overwhelming.

With threats like insect swarms, Plenty factions, antimatter legions... a small star region like the solar system can hardly withstand such turmoil. This is precisely why Ana urgently seeks civilization ascension.

At least, when exploration reaches this star domain, they should possess the ability to protect themselves.

Ana couldn't solely rely on herself, as even after achieving her Divine Self, there remained a significant gap compared to a true Aeon... Moreover, in a sense, her existence also precluded becoming an Emanator for other Aeons.

As for becoming an Aeon oneself, it sounds appealing, but it truly depends on luck. Honestly, Ana hadn't discerned any clear path towards it; she believed that having someone powerful to support one's ambitions was crucial.

Whether it be Joyousness, Finality, or Equilibrium, aligning with just two of them might indeed bring hope of becoming a Aeon.

Well, let's not stray too far from the topic.

In reality, there wasn't much need to elaborate further to Gray Serpent because—

"I understand, Lord!"

After only a brief exchange, Gray Serpent's eyes lit up—not the blinking lights of her mechanical prosthetic eye, but a genuine spark within her gaze.

"You understand?" Bai Zhi was taken aback. She had barely spoken a few words, so how could Gray Serpent comprehend already? Still grappling with how best to explain, and moments ago, lost in her own thoughts.

"Yes, Lord, please leave it to me!" Gray Serpent responded solemnly.

"Alright, I'll entrust this task to you."

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Bai Zhi glanced at her and nodded. Initially, she had planned to handle this personally, intending it as a smokescreen for the players.

However, since Gray Serpent was now willing, there was no need to deviate from the original storyline. As for Bai Zhi herself...she didn't have many versions left; soon, everything would be revealed.

"Take Raven along." Just as Gray Serpent was about to depart, Ana remembered something and added quickly.

"Don't worry, my Lord."

Gray Serpent turned once more, bowed respectfully, and swiftly left.

Watching Gray Serpent disappear from view, Bai Zhi's eyes flickered. With the setup nearly complete, it was time to bring Kevin back.

Although they were on their honeymoon, circumstances required a brief interruption.

Indeed, later, the interruption might even extend for a longer period. Compared to Kiana, Ana placed greater trust in Kevin, the hero who had safeguarded this world for tens of thousands of years.

For the younger generation like Kiana, the starlit sky still seemed distant, but for Kevin, it was perfectly within reach.

Given the current progress, it was necessary to establish sentry outposts at the edges of the solar system early on. This urgency also contributed to the delay in addressing Sa's activities.

The planet used by Sa for experiments held great importance for the solar system, as it could directly serve as a new sentry outpost.

As for exploring beyond the solar system, perhaps in the future, Ana might entrust Griseo with executing a new Ark Project once again.

After all, Griseo had the most experience in this area compared to anyone else.

At that time, within the galaxy, Divine Self Ana would discreetly watch over Griseo. As long as they avoid direct encounters with certain entities, ensuring her safety should not be an issue.

Welt Yang serves as a good reference point here.

Theoretically, Star Rail-enhanced Welt Yang already possessed the capability to act independently outside the train, and Griseo... being a Heroic Spirit from the previous civilization, her power cannot possibly be inferior to Welt Yang's.

In fact, given Griseo's unique qualities, she is likely to attract the attention of even more Aeons. Conversely, Welt, with his fixed mindset and behavior patterns, finds it challenging to garner interest from Aeons.

On the moon, at New Attra Base.

Kevin and Mei strolled together, making this almost a daily routine for them.

The reason was simple: This place remained unchanged from 50,000 years ago. Here, it felt as if yesterday had just passed, except for the absence of those people from the past.

In a sense, they were remnants of the old era.

However, being different remnants meant their attitudes towards life and the world varied significantly.

As the epitome of absolute rationality, Mei effortlessly found her new purpose. As for Kevin... to him now, as long as Mei was by his side, nothing else mattered much.

Regarding the former Thirteen Heroes, Kevin didn't have much to say.

Elysia, forever his most heartbroken companion, was one of the original MANTIS warriors and a steadfast friend throughout their journey. Her departure to Eden was her own choice, just as Aponia's decision mirrored hers; however, so long as the Garden of Eden endures, Aponia remains present in spirit.

Sakura's death was the most helpless moment for Kevin. As for the others... well, there isn't much to add; it all comes down to the challenges of their times.

Considering these circumstances, having even a few members among the Heroic Spirits still active is quite commendable.

Fortunately, this world's Kevin didn't exhibit the same obsession with finding an exact replica of Kallen as Otto did. Otherwise, despite Ana altering the course of this timeline, he would have chosen to quietly find solace in death.

As it stands now, one could say this is indeed the best outcome possible.

Suddenly, while strolling along, Kevin halted his steps.

"What's wrong?" Mei noticed his pause, turned towards him, and smiled warmly.

"It's her, isn't it?"

Having been partners for many years, Mei understood Kevin better than he perhaps knew himself.

"Hmm," Kevin acknowledged without elaborating further. His reserved nature, cultivated over years, couldn't be easily undone by spending just a few days with Mei.

Kevin appeared to let go, but only he truly knew whether he had fully moved past it or not.

"Then go ahead. If you can, meeting them might be nice," Mei gently encouraged, lifting her hand to softly cradle Kevin's face and playfully shaping a smile on his lips.

"Yes, once everything settles down, I'll return," Kevin affirmed.

Indeed, he wouldn't go until it was truly over. Although Ana's control seemed to ensure no issues arose, one could never be certain about unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, predicting future events is always uncertain.

"Alright, I'll wait for you here," Mei replied softly.

"If your plan proceeds, this place will also..."

"Don't worry, with Prometheus here, my safety isn't a concern."

"Or perhaps...you don't fully trust her?"

Kevin didn't respond verbally; instead, his figure vanished from the spot.